Detroit Bad Boys - All PostsA community of Detroit Pistons fans since 2005https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48119/detroitbadboys-fave.png2015-03-03T10:49:11-05:00http://www.detroitbadboys.com/rss/current/This is an XML content feed. It is intended to be viewed in a newsreader or syndicated to another site, subject to copyright and fair use.2015-03-03T10:49:11-05:002015-03-03T10:49:11-05:00Quincy Miller signs second 10-day contract with Pistons
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jeH4Z8M_XntCSSxGmh0ka-iMj-c=/761x101:3034x1616/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45806824/usa-today-8336524.0.jpg" />
<p>Miller has yet to see action on the floor as a member of the Pistons. </p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> have signed forward <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157927/quincy-miller" class="sbn-auto-link">Quincy Miller</a> to a second 10-day contract, the team announced in a news release.</p>
<p>Pistons head coach and president <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99612/stan-van-gundy" class="sbn-auto-link">Stan Van Gundy</a> has said from the beginning that Miller has&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nba.com/pistons/features/pistons-eye-quincy-miller-length-athleticism-shooting-pretty-good-combination-svg-says">been seen as a developmental prospect</a> so the second 10-day contract is no surprise. Neither would it be a surprise if he was eventually signed for the rest of the season after this 10-day pact expires.</p>
<p>Miller was originally signed by the Pistons on Feb. 21. In two games with the Pistons' D-League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive, Miller averaged 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game.</p>
<p>In six games with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/sacramento-kings" class="sbn-auto-link">Sacramento Kings</a> earlier in the year, the 6-foot-9 Miller averaged 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 10.2 minutes per game. Miller has also played 15 games with the D-League's Reno Big Horns where he averaged 25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, 1.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 28.9 minutes per game.</p>
<p>With the Pistons likely to be fighting for a playoff spot until the last days of the season, it is uncertain how much floor time Miller can expect with his new club. However, if Detroit's Grumpy Old Men (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21691/tayshaun-prince" class="sbn-auto-link">Tayshaun Prince</a> in the role of Walter Matheau and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler" class="sbn-auto-link">Caron Butler</a> in the role of Jack Lemmon), a spot in the rotation might just open up.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=gBTjJNsXu14:0fD9iccJiw4:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=gBTjJNsXu14:0fD9iccJiw4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=gBTjJNsXu14:0fD9iccJiw4:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=gBTjJNsXu14:0fD9iccJiw4:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/gBTjJNsXu14" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/3/8140951/pistons-quincy-miller-second-10-day-contractSean Corphttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/3/8140951/pistons-quincy-miller-second-10-day-contract2015-03-02T16:28:21-05:002015-03-02T16:28:21-05:002015 NBA free agents: Greg Monroe ‘absolutely’ open to staying in Detroit
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7jsKiilp1RFPQ_XHkOnCSOmJ3WU=/0x550:2438x2175/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45802198/usa-today-8378004.0.jpg" />
<p>Agent David Falk told reporters Saturday that his client will explore all the possibilities, including a return to the Motor City, with ‘intangibles’ the biggest factor in his decision.</p>
<p>When Greg Monroe returned Saturday night to the place where he played for Georgetown University, it was also an occasion for his agent, David Falk, to watch him play. Monroe turned in what has become a typical performance of late – 21 points and 10 rebounds – in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a>’ 99-95 loss.</p>
<p>Reporters, including Vince Ellis of the <i>Detroit Free Press</i>, apparently sought out Falk at halftime for his thoughts about what the future might hold for his client, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. And according to Ellis:</p>
<blockquote>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111926/greg-monroe">Greg Monroe's</a> agent said Saturday night that the pending unrestricted free agent is "absolutely" open to re-signing with the Detroit Pistons.</blockquote>
<p>While Falk talked extensively about Monroe’s options, he also made it clear that any talk right now is purely "speculation." David Mayo of <i>MLive</i> also reported on this story, and he provided this quote from the renowned agent who once represented Michael Jordan:</p>
<blockquote>Only the media discuss this kind of stuff during the season. I don't ever sit down game to game and take his temperature. It's like the playoffs -- the only thing that matters is where is his head at on July 1? We've got a long ways to go before we get there. It's all speculation and he can change his mind 20 times between now and then. So I leave him alone. There'll be a time for discussion and that time is not now.</blockquote>
<p>Falk said that Monroe can expect "the same money" no matter where he chooses to go, so the "intangibles" will play the biggest role in his decision:</p>
<blockquote>It's a question of what the intangibles are. Where do you want to live? Who do you want to play with? Is there a coach you want to play for? Do you want to be a star of a rebuilding team, or do you want to be a complement player on a championship team? So it's all intangible. So when the season's over, and he has time to unwind, we'll sit down and discuss what his priorities are, and try to make a short list of teams.</blockquote>
<p>As Ellis noted in his story posted online Sunday, the Pistons can actually offer a five-year contract with 7.5 percent raises, while other teams can offer no more than four-years with 4.5 percent annual increases. Yet while the money may not be "the same," the expected explosion in the salary cap due to the NBA’s new TV deal could cause Monroe to shy away from a longer contract.</p>
<p>According to Mayo, Falk discussed those salary cap ramifications with reporters, too:</p>
<blockquote>If the cap is at ($68 million) this year (2015-16 season), and the following year it goes to ($90 million), you're going to have to decide how to plan for It. You have to determine how you want to plan your career management based on where the cap is, and we're going to do that.</blockquote>
<p>Falk revealed that while some sign-and-trade avenues were explored last summer, Monroe did not seek out offer sheets from any other teams. Of course, once another team made him an offer, Detroit would have had the opportunity to match it and retain him. While signing the Qualifying Offer last summer cost him money in the short-term ("Most players would have taken the money"), it allowed Monroe to become an unrestricted free agent. Falk said this decision was very carefully thought out by his client:</p>
<blockquote>Greg is one of the brightest clients I've ever represented. He's very mature, he's very intelligent, he's very thoughtful, he's very analytical. I laid out all the options and he decided that he wanted to have options.</blockquote>
<p>While for Pistons fans those options are basically two – stay or go – for Monroe there will probably be several very specific choices based on which teams make him an offer this summer. Expect the speculation to reach a fever pitch until "Moose" makes up his mind this coming July.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ElkNZBtMBUI:Qj1oAQmQH4k:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ElkNZBtMBUI:Qj1oAQmQH4k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ElkNZBtMBUI:Qj1oAQmQH4k:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=ElkNZBtMBUI:Qj1oAQmQH4k:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/ElkNZBtMBUI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8135463/monroe-absolutely-open-to-staying-in-detroitrevkenhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8135463/monroe-absolutely-open-to-staying-in-detroit2015-03-02T10:56:32-05:002015-03-02T10:56:32-05:00Pistons recall Quincy Miller from Grand Rapids Drive
<img alt="" src="https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0JtIcOHMqaukFPwgjecrKJfUk5g=/0x605:1876x1856/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45800084/usa-today-8134371.0.jpg" />
<p>Miller played two games for the Drive. </p>
<p>Here's the press release from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club has recalled forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157927/quincy-miller">Quincy Miller</a> from the team's NBA Development League (D-League) affiliate, the Grand Rapids Drive.</p>
<p>In two games with the Drive, Miller averaged 11.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game. He recorded 15 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes vs. the Delaware 87ers (2/27).</p>
<p>Miller, who signed to a 10-day contract on 2/21, has yet to appear in a game with the Pistons. In six games with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/sacramento-kings">Sacramento Kings</a> this season, he averaged 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 10.2 minutes.</p>
<p>The 6-foot-9 forward has also played for the Reno Big Horns of the NBA D-League where he averaged 25.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, 1.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 28.9 minutes in 15 games before signing with Detroit.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>This gives Miller a couple days with the team before Wednesday's game in New Orleans.</p>
<p>Now your thoughts.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ccDt8nh_ef0:BMTKyjqOErI:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ccDt8nh_ef0:BMTKyjqOErI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=ccDt8nh_ef0:BMTKyjqOErI:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=ccDt8nh_ef0:BMTKyjqOErI:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/ccDt8nh_ef0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8133865/pistons-recall-quincy-miller-from-grand-rapids-drivePackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8133865/pistons-recall-quincy-miller-from-grand-rapids-drive2015-03-02T10:40:34-05:002015-03-02T10:40:34-05:00NBA standings watch: Detroit Pistons two games back of No. 8 seed
<img alt="" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HMOH00UIb7vQ7lSVFxnk_JzFF1M=/0x103:2831x1990/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45799976/usa-today-8412918.0.jpg" />
<p>Losers of three straight, the Pistons still find themselves within striking distance of a very crowded playoff picture.</p>
<p>If the season started Dec. 26, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons" class="sbn-auto-link">Pistons</a> wouldn't be fighting for the "right" to play the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/atlanta-hawks" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Hawks</a> in the first round of the playoffs. They'd instead be bumping elbow with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/washington-wizards" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Wizards</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/cleveland-cavaliers" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Cavaliers</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/chicago-bulls" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bulls</a> and maybe the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/toronto-raptors" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto Raptors</a> for a series with home court advantage. They're 18-13 (.580) since waiving <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21573/josh-smith" class="sbn-auto-link">Josh Smith</a> but there are no mulligans on the 28 games before that.</p>
<p>Here's an updated look at the standings as of Monday morning, March 2:</p>
<p> <img alt="standings32" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7Gtc1sHPUzPt7YbYQoHGCkKZIA0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3460886/Capture.0.PNG">
</p>
<p>The Pistons have 23 games left, 14 of which are on the road where they have actually been better this season. Eight of those games are against Miami (2), Indiana (1), Charlotte (3) and Boston (2). Those will be the games the Pistons have to win if they want to make the playoffs.</p>
<p>Their other 15 games consist of match ups against Golden State, Houston, Portland, Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago twice, Toronto and Cleveland. &nbsp;And the other six? Against teams they've already lost to this season (New Orleans, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/los-angeles-lakers" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>, Utah, Philadelphia, Orlando and New York).</p>
<p>It should be an exciting finish.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=IA_Z4Clj1ho:tkpKhf6xRMc:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=IA_Z4Clj1ho:tkpKhf6xRMc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=IA_Z4Clj1ho:tkpKhf6xRMc:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=IA_Z4Clj1ho:tkpKhf6xRMc:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/IA_Z4Clj1ho" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8133477/nba-standings-watch-detroit-pistons-two-games-back-of-no-8-seedPackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8133477/nba-standings-watch-detroit-pistons-two-games-back-of-no-8-seed2015-03-02T09:42:34-05:002015-03-02T09:42:34-05:00Grand Rapids Drive annihilates Delaware 87ers in Quincy Miller debut, fall back to Earth against Maine
<img alt="" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yyfqsA84_qIl37WGA89MwkONUMQ=/0x244:2713x2053/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45796912/usa-today-8116703.0.jpg" />
<p>The Drive are 1-1 in the Quincy Miller Era</p>
<p>You would have to see it to believe it, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a>' D-League affiliate ran away with &nbsp;41-point win against the Delaware 87ers, boasting a final score of 140-99&nbsp;<a href="http://dleague.nba.com/games/20150227/DELGRD/">as the buzzer sounded</a>. Led by Kelsey Barlow (22 points), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/226479/adonis-thomas">Adonis Thomas</a> (19 points 10 rebounds) and Hasheem Thabeet's six blocks, the game was never in doubt, as the Drive exploded on all cylinders to put away the 87ers from tip off, scoring 35 points in the first frame.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157927/quincy-miller">Quincy Miller</a> made his Grand Rapids&nbsp;<a href="http://dleague.nba.com/games/20150227/DELGRD/">debut off the bench</a>, recording a double-double (15 points 12 rebounds) in 23 minutes, despite the stat line, the former Reno Bighorn had a very mixed performance, shooting 2 for 5 from three (6-13 overall), but racking up 5 turnovers in his time on the court.</p>
<p>The Drive's next game, a 103-111&nbsp;<a href="http://dleague.nba.com/games/20150228/GRDMNE/">loss against the Maine Redclaws</a>, saw Quincy put up 8 points and 3 boards in 15 minutes. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150211/malcolm-lee">Malcolm Lee</a> and Kelsey Barlow missed potential game-tying threes for the Drive, who hung around late, but i<span>n a night where the Redclaws' Tim Frazier was a rebound short of a triple double (27 points 16 assists 9 rebounds), the Drive needed an extra spark to help carry the load offensively, but none was to be found. Adonis Thomas' 18 points along with </span><span>Kevin Murphy's 22 points off the bench</span><span> led the Drive, with Miller's sole highlight a buzzer-beating three that put the Drive within 5 at then end of the first quarter. </span></p>
<p>After two games in the Drive's colors, in 19.5 minutes per game, Miller is averaging 11.5 points 9.0 rebounds 2.0 assists &nbsp;(2.5 turnovers) 1.0 blocks 0.5 steals whilst shooting .421/.429/.800.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=pySN78SYP-0:MTplAXX2q1Y:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=pySN78SYP-0:MTplAXX2q1Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=pySN78SYP-0:MTplAXX2q1Y:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=pySN78SYP-0:MTplAXX2q1Y:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/pySN78SYP-0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8130743/grand-rapids-drive-annihilates-delaware-87ers-in-quincy-miller-debutVincent Diringerhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/2/8130743/grand-rapids-drive-annihilates-delaware-87ers-in-quincy-miller-debut2015-03-01T14:33:02-05:002015-03-01T14:33:02-05:00Spencer Dinwiddie has a career game in loss to Wizards
<img alt="" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UJ4B6gHC2UY8fDF1kz95n5ZMhIY=/0x0:2990x1993/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45794216/usa-today-8399285.0.jpg" />
<p>The rookie point guard pushed aside his recent struggles and brought the Pistons back.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246302/spencer-dinwiddie">Spencer Dinwiddie</a> showed what he could do against Chicago, matched up against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/50189/derrick-rose">Derrick Rose</a> in his first career start. &nbsp;However, it was merely a glimpse of the future and what this nearly 22-year-old point guard can do.</p>
<p>That future was yesterday.</p>
<p>Entering the second half when the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> had been down by as many as 21, Dinwiddie decided that enough was enough, summoned all the power he could from his 1970s porn-stache (Stan's was faulty last night), and turned into the ultimate super-saiyan.</p>
<p>20 points, 8 assists (against 3 TO), 4 rebounds and a steal, in 25 minutes of court time. &nbsp;In the fourth quarter, he was the sole reason for the Pistons comeback. &nbsp;Sure, others made shots, but the maturity displayed by the young rookie, in only his 20th game of the season, was a sight to behold. &nbsp;Whether it was initiating one man fastbreaks in a way no one (and I mean no one...) could, exploiting matchup problems, and forcing defenses to respect his jumpshot, the youngster had it all. &nbsp;Greg Kelser summed it up in the Pistons broadcast, "man, he's growing up isn't he?" &nbsp;It certainly was a matured performance in the face of such a large deficit.</p>
<p>Despite the effort ultimately being in vain as the Pistons failed to execute down the stretch, a couple of good things did come from this marvelous game from The Mayor:</p>
<p>-- Spencer got some much needed court time in real NBA minutes, not garbage time</p>
<p>-- Spencer displayed maturity beyond his experience</p>
<p>-- It showed Van Gundy what Spencer can do, and he should be ahead of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21788/john-lucas-iii">John Lucas III</a> for at least the next few games</p>
<p>-- Stan was not a total idiot, and did ride Spencer while he was hot</p>
<p>-- Also, he sat Jackson when he was not, and Reggie didn't seem to mind</p>
<p>So, despite the loss, we saw a part of Dinwiddie's game which we hadn't seen before. &nbsp;His maturity and poise was excellent in a pressure situation. &nbsp;The Chicago game whet the appetite for his future contributions, but how he led the comeback is doubly impressive.</p>
<p>Here is a highlight video from YouTube highlight maker DownToBuck. &nbsp;He regularly makes highlight videos of the lesser players in the NBA, the role players (no stars on his channel). &nbsp;KCP and Andre get a fair bit of screen time on his channel. &nbsp;If you get a chance, read the descriptions, he makes them very entertaining.</p>
<p><iframe height="315" width="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lsJqCu7T0YI" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>*<i>If you watch nothing else, skip to 2:30. &nbsp;Any play which gets Tayshaun off the bench is a good play indeed</i></p>
<p>** <i>Also at 2:30, wtf are those gloves Reggie is wearing?</i></p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=wCos2IjYFSs:pvnM-GassBg:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=wCos2IjYFSs:pvnM-GassBg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=wCos2IjYFSs:pvnM-GassBg:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=wCos2IjYFSs:pvnM-GassBg:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/wCos2IjYFSs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/1/8128595/spencer-dinwiddie-highlights-vs-wizards-detroit-pistons-point-guardBen Quagliatahttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/3/1/8128595/spencer-dinwiddie-highlights-vs-wizards-detroit-pistons-point-guard2015-02-28T22:03:40-05:002015-02-28T22:03:40-05:00Pistons vs. Wizards final score: Detroit can't close out comeback in DC, loses 99-95
<img alt="" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/PdDjjDRmxk8H88a134NqdKNAPWQ=/0x188:2615x1931/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45793048/usa-today-8412875.0.jpg" />
<p>Moral victories are for non-playoff teams like milk is for babies. </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Detroit Pistons</a> came all the way back from 21 down in the second half behind strong play from rookie <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/246302/spencer-dinwiddie">Spencer Dinwiddie</a> and Greg Monroe. They even led briefly in the fourth. Unfortunately, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/washington-wizards">Washington Wizards</a> managed to close it out to end their six-game losing streak, 99-95.</p>
<p>The Pistons trailed by 16 at the half and then 21 three minutes into the third, but turned up the defensive pressure and The Mayor effect on Capitol Hill. In the final 21 minutes of the game, the Wiz scored only 30 points (they had 37 points in the first 12 minutes of the game!). The Pistons scored 47.</p>
<p>28 of the Pistons' 47 points in the second half (21 of 25 in the fourth quarter) came from Dinwiddie and Monroe on a combined 11-16 shooting. It's fitting that the Pistons took their first lead of the game in the fourth on a Dinwiddie put-back dunk ... off his own missed jumper.</p>
<p>The Pistons held a one-point lead, their only leads in the game, a few times in the final six minutes of the game, but couldn't seem to stop Nene, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24258/marcin-gortat">Marcin Gortat</a> or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/112569/john-wall">John Wall</a> --&nbsp;Nene and Gortat especially. Nene apparently invented the pump fake. Gortat Polish Hammered the Pistons' bigs on the boards, grabbing 17 of them and none bigger than the offensive board off a missed free throw with 10 seconds left in the game, going over a jumping (not boxing out) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157959/andre-drummond">Andre Drummond</a>.</p>
<p>Dinwiddie finished with a career high 20 points on 14 shots and eight assists opposite three turnovers. He did all that in 25 minutes and far outperformed <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a>, who finished 4-for-12 shooting with eight assists opposite two turnovers in 23 minutes.</p>
<p>Monroe had 21 points and 10 rebounds, but he also had six turnovers.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nba.com/games/20150228/DETWAS/gameinfo.html#Q4" target="_blank">Box Score</a></p>
<p>The Pistons are a game and a half out of the crowded playoff picture. They do not play again until Wednesday when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans.</p>
<p>Now your thoughts.</p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=1msbdSuB1EE:k8s2SB7PjIQ:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=1msbdSuB1EE:k8s2SB7PjIQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=1msbdSuB1EE:k8s2SB7PjIQ:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=1msbdSuB1EE:k8s2SB7PjIQ:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/1msbdSuB1EE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/2/28/8127817/pistons-vs-wizards-final-score-spencer-dinwiddie-greg-monroe-john-wallPackeyhttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/2/28/8127817/pistons-vs-wizards-final-score-spencer-dinwiddie-greg-monroe-john-wall2015-02-28T12:00:02-05:002015-02-28T12:00:02-05:00Pistons vs. Wizards Preview: A chance at immediate redemption
<img alt="" src="https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cEZeAMETi28JuVBRqdIwocFRgPg=/3x0:3674x2447/400x267/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45790104/usa-today-8399300.0.jpg" />
<p>Both teams come into this matchup after embarrassing losses and are looking to right the ship.</p>
<h3>Game Vitals</h3>
<p><b>Where: </b>Verizon Center, Washington D.C.</p>
<p><b>When: </b>Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:00PM EST</p>
<p><b>Watch: </b>FSD</p>
<h3>Exceptionally Detailed Analysis</h3>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/washington-wizards">Wizards</a> are in a serious funk at the moment. &nbsp;They've lost their last six games, and none of them have really been close. &nbsp;Besides a two-point loss to Toronto, they've been downed by margins of 20 (Minnesota), seven (Golden State), 17 (Detroit, hey that's us!), 38 (Cleveland, this was embarrassing), and most recently, by eight to a theoretically abysmal Philadelphia side yesterday. &nbsp;In fairness, we aren't really qualified to dump on Philly considering we're losing our season series with them 2-1 (we have a chance to level that on 18 March), but Washington has fallen into a pretty alarming decline. &nbsp;Their record stands at 33-26, still good for 5th in the East, with Milwaukee the only realistic chance of catching them at half a game back at 32-26, but their form won't be pleasing to coach <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99597/randy-wittman">Randy Wittman</a>.</p>
<p>A fair portion of the Wizards' dip in form can be attributed to the loss of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157953/bradley-beal">Bradley Beal</a>, who has a stress reaction in his lower leg, but also because Wittman appears to run a very outdated offense. &nbsp;<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/112569/john-wall">John Wall</a> is constantly forced to slow down his game while he waits for the likes of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24258/marcin-gortat">Marcin Gortat</a>, Nene and the almost fossilized <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/4345/paul-pierce">Paul Pierce</a> to catch up. Plus they play Rasual "Older Than Sliced Bread" Butler serious minutes. &nbsp;Their championship window wasn't really that profound, but it's rapidly shutting with this ageing roster.</p>
<p>Detroit comes into this game with its own problems. &nbsp;After a respectable loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/cleveland-cavaliers">Cavaliers</a>, where <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/35085/kevin-love">Kevin Love</a> caught fire to the tune of eight threes, serious deficiencies were exposed in the consequent embarrassing double overtime loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-york-knicks">New York Knicks</a>. &nbsp;The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/detroit-pistons">Pistons</a> could be considered a tad unfortunate, as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/251340/langston-galloway">Langston Galloway</a> (yeah, that guy) hit an absolute rainmaker with six seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime. &nbsp;In period 1 of OT, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/111926/greg-monroe">Greg Monroe</a> had a chance to put the Pistons ahead with under a minute left on an and-one opportunity but missed. &nbsp;New York took their chances, the Pistons did not.</p>
<p>The major talking point was the play of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/150206/reggie-jackson">Reggie Jackson</a>. &nbsp;While it's still early, and some of it could be familiarity issues, you cannot ignore a 5-24 shooting performance, especially considering the manner of shots. &nbsp;Either he had a secret meeting with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/35128/will-bynum">Will Bynum</a> during the week, or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21573/josh-smith">Josh Smith</a> drove the <i><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/orlando-magic">Magic</a> School Bus </i>into Jackson's brain and controlled his every move. &nbsp;Double-clutch contested runners, foot-on-the-line pull up jumpers, high-arcing floaters, he had the whole shebang. &nbsp;He did go 5-5 from the free throw line, and had 5 assists (but 4 TO) and 5 rebounds, if we're serious about putting lipstick on this pig.</p>
<p>However, what was the major concern for me, and I'm a Jackson supporter, is how, in this game, he seemingly didn't know his limitations. &nbsp;I lost count how often I was yelling at my computer "THAT'S NOT YOUR F#@$ING SHOT" every time he pulled up for a midrange jumper or clanked a three. &nbsp;Whenever he did go inside, he was crowded out and pressed into mistakes. &nbsp;I hope that was just his one bad game out of his system, but I may have to start construction on a $WAG shrine if this proves to be more than a simple&nbsp;aberration.</p>
<h3>Players To Watch</h3>
<p><b>Pistons: </b>Reggie Jackson</p>
<p>This game becomes doubly important for Jackson now. &nbsp;He already proved 'bout a week ago that he can outplay John Wall (in his Pistons debut, not counting the first half), but it will be interesting to see how he responds after such a horrific outing. &nbsp;My guess/hope is that Van Gundy pulled him aside, gave him some words of encouragement and support, and slapped him on the chops* for good measure.</p>
<p>*<i>Chops is Australian slang for mouth</i></p>
<p><b>Wizards: </b>Marcin Gortat</p>
<p>With John Wall reduced to a spectator's role in the last meeting between the two sides, Marcin Gortat stepped up big for the Wizards. &nbsp;He finished with 24 and 10 rebounds, and at one point I believe was 8-8 from the field, so it will be interesting to see how Drummond handles him this time around.</p>
<h3>Last Time We Met</h3>
<p><i>Feb. 22, 2015, Pistons won 106-89 (season series 1-1)</i></p>
<p>In his Pistons debut, Reggie Jackson lit up both the Palace floor with a sparkling 0-8 start, as well as the sidelines with a nerve-inducing upchuck. &nbsp;After that, he settled down and went 7-10 the rest of the way to finish with 17 points. &nbsp;<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/198125/kentavious-caldwell-pope">Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</a> led all scorers with 26, Andre added 18 and 16 boards and Greg Monroe had double 15s. &nbsp;Marcin Gortat led the Wiz with 24 and 10 rebounds.</p>
<h3>Connections</h3>
<p>-- Pistons head coach <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99612/stan-van-gundy">Stan Van Gundy</a> coached Wizards center Marcin Gortat in Orlando from 2007-10.</p>
<p>-- Pistons guard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/71910/brandon-jennings">Brandon Jennings</a> and Wizards forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21858/drew-gooden">Drew Gooden</a> played for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/milwaukee-bucks">Milwaukee Bucks</a> from 2010-13.</p>
<p>-- Pistons center <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24234/joel-anthony">Joel Anthony</a> played part of the 2013-14 season with Wizards forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21640/kris-humphries">Kris Humphries</a> for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/boston-celtics">Boston Celtics</a>.</p>
<p>-- Pistons forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21834/caron-butler">Caron Butler</a> played for the Wizards from 2005-2010.</p>
<p>-- Butler and Wizards forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21668/rasual-butler">Rasual Butler</a> played together for the Miami HEAT from 2002-04.</p>
<p>-- Pistons forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24721/anthony-tolliver">Anthony Tolliver</a> played with Wizards forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/21827/martell-webster">Martell Webster</a> for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/minnesota-timberwolves">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> from 2010-12.</p>
<p>-- Pistons center <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/157959/andre-drummond">Andre Drummond</a> and Wizards guard Bradley Beal played for the 2009 U16 and 2010 U17 USA National teams that won two gold medals.</p>
<p>-- Pistons forward <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/24690/cartier-martin">Cartier Martin</a> played for the Wizards in 2010-11 and 2012-13.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>-- Wizards assistant coaches <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/99598/don-zierden">Don Zierden</a> (2005-07), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/98714/pat-sullivan">Pat Sullivan</a> (2003-05, 2008-11) and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/players/98753/roy-rogers">Roy Rogers</a> (2011-13) all served as assistant coaches in Detroit.</p>
<h3>Score Prediction</h3>
<p>Well, after a depressing Friday night, let's restock the Kool-Aid cupboard. &nbsp;The Wiz are slumping, now is as good a time as any to play them.</p>
<p><i>Pistons 107, Wiz 98</i></p>
<h3>Lineup Prediction</h3>
<p><i>Pistons: Jackson, Caldwell-Pope, Prince, Monroe, Drummond</i></p>
<p><i>Wizards: Wall, Temple, Porter Jr, Nene, Gortat</i></p>
<h3>Injured/In Doubt</h3>
<p><i>Pistons: Jennings (Achilles), Butler (dinosaurism)</i></p>
<p><i>Wizards: Beal (lower leg), Pierce (knee), Humphries (groin)</i></p>
<h3>Community Question</h3>
<p><i>Now that we've all calmed down, was there an overreaction to Jackson's stinker yesterday, or is there a real chance this is a permanent issue?</i></p>
<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=aiJ_nQp981g:0GqMD8h9AGM:wuc1NvHoNSQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=wuc1NvHoNSQ" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=aiJ_nQp981g:0GqMD8h9AGM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?a=aiJ_nQp981g:0GqMD8h9AGM:3QFJfmc7Om4"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/detroitbadboys?i=aiJ_nQp981g:0GqMD8h9AGM:3QFJfmc7Om4" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="//feeds.feedburner.com/~r/detroitbadboys/~4/aiJ_nQp981g" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/2/28/8125439/pistons-vs-wizards-preview-a-chance-at-immediate-redemptionBen Quagliatahttp://www.detroitbadboys.com/2015/2/28/8125439/pistons-vs-wizards-preview-a-chance-at-immediate-redemption